Learn Why a Professional Music Producer Invited Our Student to London

Like many of his peers, Yanick is an extremely active young person who has progressed with his communication, employability skills, social interaction and preparation for adulthood/life skills. Yanick has expressed a keen interest in music and hospitality and has chosen to undertake a range of internal and external work experience opportunities.

Open Awards Skills for Further Learning and Employment (SFLE)

Yanick writes his songs. He chose Open Awards Skills for Further Learning and Employment (SFLE) Qualification units in music to reflect his talent and drive to improve his songwriting and public performances. As a founding member of the College Band “Electric Stars”, he has worked with staff to encourage other students to build on their musical abilities and learn new instruments. The band has offered bookings locally, including switching on Earlestown Christmas Lights. Yanick uploads his and the band’s songs to Spotify to build his audience base. Yanick was recently invited to remaster one of his songs with a professional producer in London, Paul Whalley – Tile Yard Studios. Yanick contributed more than this, and his growing confidence and communication skills enabled him to follow instructions precisely whilst expressing clearly how he wanted his music to be mixed.

Educate Awards at The Anglican Cathedral

Yanick’s transferrable employability skills (e.g. working as part of a team, professional standards, and timekeeping) have all been enhanced during his various placements as part of the college hospitality team. Yanick has worked tirelessly at events involving hundreds of guests, including The Educate Awards at The Anglican Cathedral, Haydock Races and the Party in the Park (Rainford). This exposure to the real world of work has helped break down the barriers to his future employment.

Open Awards Vlog

Yanick recently recorded a Vlog for Open Awards where he explained his interests and aspirations and how he chose his accredited units to dove tale his pathway to employment. Yanick hopes this will encourage other students to improve their self-advocacy and final destinations.
Yanick: “I have been coming to Wargrave for a long time, and each year I enjoy learning new skills and getting more qualifications. My hospitality placement in the Cosy Corner Cafe is great fun but hard work. I also chose music units for my SFLE qualification and have done lots with Electric Stars and singing solos. “

Yanick also puts forward his viewpoints in regular class meetings. As a member of our Student Parliament, he participated in discussions with other young adults in the Natspec Student Voice Parliament. He felt confident enough to express his opinions on various topics, including higher education and disability.